Lemon Electricity Science Projects
A variety of experiments show the qualities of electricity using lemons. They teach students how modern electrical inventions and techniques adhere to most simple laws of nature. This, in turn, enables a quicker and more enjoyable understanding of the subject. Experiments are quick and easy to set up with little prior knowledge or skill required.
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Lemon Battery Experiment
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For this experiment, you will need two fresh lemons, one regular galvanized nail, two short pieces of heavy copper wire, three alligator clips and one multimeter. Securely place the nail and the heavy copper wire into the side of the lemon, about 1 inch apart. Attach the red lead of the multimeter into the ''positive'' voltage slot. Plug the black lead into the ''negative'' slot. Connect the red lead to the heavy copper wire and the black lead to the nail.
Lemon Battery Experiment Explaination
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A reading on the multimeter should now be visible when all alligator clips are connected between the lemon and the multimeter. This voltage recorded could be anywhere between 0.5 volts and 1.5 volts. Similar to a battery, the voltage produced is a result of a chemical reaction between two different electrodes and one electrolyte. The acidic nature of the lemon juice contains water-soluble chemicals that can be used as an electrolyte. The nail and the copper act as electrodes.
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Watch Battery Experiment
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Another project which can be undertaken with relative ease is the lemon clock-battery project. For this experiment you will need one LED clock, two lemons, two pieces of heavy copper wiring, two standard galvanized nails and three alligator clips. The LED clock normally is powered by a 1- to 2-volt battery supply. Insert one nail into the end of each of the lemons. Insert one copper wire into the opposite end from the nails in each of the lemons. Add an alligator clip onto the copper wire attached to the first lemon. Attach the other end to the positive terminal in the clock's battery compartment. Add an alligator clip onto the nail attached to the second lemon. Attach the other end to the negative terminal in the clock's battery compartment. Attach the third alligator clip from the nail in the first lemon and the copper wire in the second lemon. The clock will now be powered by the lemons.
Other Experiments
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Replace the nail and the copper wire in the experiment with a paper clip and a copper coin. This simple replacement reveals how everyday objects have the same properties as these basic metals. Another experiment to try is using different types of fruit. Collect together an orange, lime and grapefruit and conduct the entire experiment again, replacing the lemon with the other type of fruit. Measure and compare the voltage for each.
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